Safeguard was quickly away and led early but then eased and settled down in fourth place, one out and one back. He moved up three wide rounding the home turn, took a narrow lead at the 200m and fought back particularly well, lasting to win by a nose. It was a narrow but good win. fast ‘N’ Rocking showed a bit more pace, resuming here. He travelled well in third place on the rails but was blocked on turning for home. He was shuffled back to fourth at the 200m before getting a late split. He then darted through to fail by the barest of margins for second. It was an impressive first-up effort even if he remains a maiden after eight starts - but surely for not much longer. The lightly raced Hill Spy was sixth one off the rails. He moved up (four wide) nearing the home turn and put in a quick run to challenge at the 200m. He then fought on gamely for a good third. Il Cavallo worked across from his outside barrier (8) to race outside the leader (This Is War). He took the lead on straightening and then battled back well for a fourth (beaten a length and half) in a good first-up effort. *ANZ